Are you looking for a cycling guide?
If you are looking for a one-day bike trip with a local guide around Lake Maggiore, Lugano, or Varese, get in touch!
We’d love to be your cycling partner and help make your experience easy, smooth, and adventurous.
Our routes cover the beautiful lakeside towns of Ascona, Locarno, Luino, Laveno, and Intra on Lake Maggiore, and the picturesque villages of Ponte Tresa, Morcote, and Porto Ceresio on Lake Lugano. We also explore the charming inland villages of Brinzio, Bedero, and Gavirate around Varese. As local guides, we have an intimate knowledge of the Italian and Swiss Lake District.
Before we set off, we want to get a feel for what you’re looking for.
What sort of route do you fancy? Flat for a good spin, rolling with gentle climbs, or are you up for tackling some serious hills? Let us know your preferred distance and elevation.
What pace are you thinking of? Easy and relaxed to enjoy the scenery, a moderate steady tempo, or do you want to push your limits? We can always adjust the pace as we go!
What's your plan? Get in touch and let's start riding.
You can find all the details by reading the five points below:
- 1. How the cycling experience works,
- 2. Where we are based, (Varese and Colmegna on Lake Maggiore),
- 3. What to expect on the rides,
- 4. Resources to make a cyclist's life easier,
- 5. Riding and tourist attractions: A useful guide.
1. How the cycling experience works
Tell us what you have in mind: distance, speed, climbing, the type of riding you love, your preferred meeting time, and the size of your group. You decide the level of the challenge, and we arrange everything around you.
Pricing: From €80.00 to €130.00.
We specialize in building custom routes that satisfy your specific needs for climbing and distance. We will create a ride suitable for your fitness and ability, without compromising on quality or scenery. Need a rental? Let us know your requirements, and we will provide the best bike options for you.
Accommodation & Travel: While we suggest staying at our partner hotels where we are based, you are always free to choose your own accommodation. Many of our guests prefer to arrange their own travel to and from the tour location. Please note we are not travel agents, but we are happy to provide local suggestions to help you plan your trip.
Check out our How to Get Here page and travel information page for more details.
2. Where we are based
We are based in:
- Varese: Eco Bike Hotel Ungheria - Viale Borri 98 - 21100 Varese VA
- Colmegna (on Lake Maggiore): Relais Villa Porta - Via Palazzi 1 - 21016 Luino VA
Email: info@lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com
3. What to expect on the rides
Expect a variety of terrain: rolling hills, mountain passes, and routes through dense woods. We’ll take you along hidden lanes and secret spots you won’t find on any map—through tiny, secluded villages, over occasional cobblestones, and onto roads so narrow they are wide enough for only one car.
Whether riding along the lake shore, through shaded forests, or over mountain peaks, every day offers a new discovery. We have tour "suggestions" but love to customize them specifically for you. Our extensive experience means we know every corner of these roads, allowing us to create enjoyable rides for cyclists of all abilities.
In a new place, it’s tough to find the best roads without the fear of getting lost. Here, 90% of traffic is on the main roads; once you turn off, you can ride for hours encountering very few vehicles. Only minutes from our front door, you can find yourself at the foot of 5-10 kilometer climbs.
You will experience the Lake District like a local, crossing borders between Lombardy (Italy), Piedmont (Italy), and the Canton of Ticino (Switzerland). Take a look at our cycling photos and database of 100+ climbs — click the markers for Strava links and more info.
4. Cycling resources to make your life easier
Read our tips to get the most out of your experience: Cycling resources.
5. Riding and tourist attractions: a useful guide
Beyond the bike, you can enjoy museums, historical monuments, and local landmarks. To help you make the most of your stay, we have put together a guide packed with information about the best tourist attractions to visit during your cycling holiday.
Why riding with a local cycling guide
When it comes to cycling, especially in a new or unfamiliar area, route knowledge is king.
It's the secret sauce that transforms a potentially stressful and inefficient ride into a smooth, enjoyable, and enriching experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the ride and the surrounding environment.
The local guides know the best cycling routes, the most appropriate riding roads. the shortcuts that don't show up on Strava or Google, those that meander through stunning landscapes, charming villages, or offer breathtaking viewpoints. Forget sticking to main roads.
They'll lead you to hidden gems and they'll suggest alternative routes as well.
Even if you spend countless hours searching the internet, you'll never find some of the little around-the-corner places that will make your experience stand out.
The local guides can tailor the route to your fitness level and preferences, ensuring an enjoyable ride for everyone.
They know when and where popular routes might get congested, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful ride without battling through crowds.
No need to waste time studying maps or worrying about getting lost.
The local cycling guides will lead the way, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the ride.
Photographer: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Copyright: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Credit: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
